At their 14^th Meeting in May 2000, the ASEAN Labour Ministers adopted their Vision and Mission Statement pledging their commitment to strengthen the social pillars of ASEAN by promoting the full potential and dignity of workers and address changes in the labour market arising from the forces of globalization, trade liberalization and economic integration.

The Vision and Mission statements emphasize the need for training, education and skills upgrading to facilitate the development of a productive, competent workforce which is able to take advantage of opportunities offered by the emerging knowledge economy and meet the changing job demands and challenges brought about by the regional and global integration of labour markets.